A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Big Sur for Couples, Hiking, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a adventure-filled, unique, and natural national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Everglades National Park and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Everglades National Park and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its museums. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge.

How is Everglades National Park different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Sur and Everglades National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Everglades National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Everglades National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Neither Everglades National Park or Big Sur offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Everglades National Park There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Everglades National Park and Big Sur.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Neither Everglades National Park or Big Sur offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Everglades National Park can be found for those interested. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Big Sur.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Everglades National Park or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Everglades National Park or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

Big Sur is not a walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Big Sur. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Everglades National Park than Big Sur if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Everglades National Park.

One day in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

In Everglades National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food around the remote natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

In Everglades National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Everglades National Park has to offer.

With food around the scenic destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food around the remote natural area of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Big Sur, we can see that Everglades National Park is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Everglades National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Everglades National Park than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Big Sur. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Everglades National Park